When LEGO Friends was first released back in 2012 there was a lot of curiosity – and even controversy – surrounding this new line of sets developed for girls. Since then LEGO Friends has become one of the most successful and popular themes, along with LEGO Disney Princess and LEGO Elves. All three of these series use LEGO Friends style mini-dolls instead of standard LEGO minifigures – another cause for controversy.
Some LEGO fans immediately started experimenting with the new type of figures to see their potential. In a previous article, we discussed some of the customizations (see LEGO Friends Undergo Plastic Surgery…). I haven’t seen such drastic customization efforts since that time, and LEGO Friends figures have been pretty much accepted as they are – especially since the introduction of more male characters. However, there are still LEGO fans who alter the mini-dolls by painting and custom accessories. Today I thought to show you some of my favorite altered LEGO Friends mini-dolls.
The LEGO Friends Star Wars figures above were hand-painted by Melan-E. I think Rey, Finn, and the Rebel Pilot look particularly fantastic. Old Han Solo also looks good. The only figure that’s a little odd is the First Order stormtrooper, but I think the big helmet just makes it more funny.
Tyler Thompson shares that he really likes the LEGO Friends mini-dolls and is planning to make a whole series of Friends of the Apocalypse. The figure on the right is his first attempt. GI Julie on the left is by Victor Fernandez who also got inspired to customize LEGO Friends characters.
This pair of heavily armored figures by Larry Lars are actually fully brick-built, except for using LEGO Friends headpieces. LEGO Friends characters look really good with LEGO Exo-Force hair elements, so if you have some in your collection try out this combination.
LEGO fan AFK My Homework created these two fantasy LEGO Friends figures (the left one inspired by Mandalorians). Besides the custom paint job, they also come with custom accessories.
Here you can see LEGO Friends characters Andrea, Olivia, Emma, and Mia as Ghostbusters. Simple, but very nice paint application by .SilentMode. Unfortunately, they don’t have ghostbusting backpacks because their hair is in the way – but that’s a problem girls often have.
The pilots pictured above are by my favorite LEGO designer, Mark Stafford. He even wrote a little back story for the two blue pilots: The mutant community of Heartlake City sits in the middle of a massive wasteland of nuclear devastation. Patrolling its borders are many heavily armed vehicles. The Dolpinex was built to patrol Heart Lake itself. Full of underwater caves and tunnels the Lake is often invaded by monstrous creatures who eat the picnicking citizens on the lakeside. Protecting the civilian families who live in idyllic Heartlake City from this harsh world and its dangers, is the destiny of all citizens who must complete a five-year service period or leave forever. Zanta and Mike both want to be Marine Biologists, if they survive their mandatory service, their experience will be invaluable to Heartlake Aquarium. The recklessness of men in combat situations has led to a high death rate amongst them and has led to population distortion with almost nine women to every man. That might make it seem like a good place to live, but death is around every corner in Heartlake City…” The Ultra Violet Pilot on the right doesn’t come with a story, but she still looks fabulous.
The LEGO Friends Wonder Woman by tikitikitempo on the left, and Stephanie in a Supergirl outfit on the right by Fat Tony both look really sweet with nice paint applications.
No discussion on custom LEGO Friends characters would be complete without mentioning the work of M.R. Yoder, who was one of the first to customize LEGO Friends figures and created a whole series titled LEGO Friends in Space. His beautiful steady-handed paint job inspired many other LEGO Friends customizers.
So what do you think? How do you like these custom LEGO Friends characters? Do you have a favorite? What other styles or themes would you like to see LEGO customizers explore with the mini-dolls? Have you ever customized your own LEGO Friends figures? Feel free to share in the comment section below!
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